Having skin color—especially on the face, hands, and feet—that is pale to slightly gray, or lacy purple and pale (mottled). But your tongue, gums, and lips remain pink.

Severe difficulty breathing

Symptoms of severe difficulty breathing include:

Breathing very fast. Children usually grunt with each breath. Shortness of breath can interfere with the ability to speak smoothly.

Appearing anxious and being unable to eat because it's too hard to breathe.

Using the neck, chest, and abdominal muscles to breathe; the skin between, above, and under the ribs collapses inward with each breath. The person also may open his or her nostrils wide when breathing in.

Taking longer than usual to breathe out and sometimes having a high-pitched, musical sound when breathing in.

Sitting up, leaning forward, or sitting with the nose tilted up as if sniffing the air.

Having skin color that is persistently pale, gray, bluish, or mottled, including the tongue, lips, earlobes, and nail beds.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.